Darrick Rollin Danta

Darrick Rollin Danta

February 14, 1955 - February 15, 2013

Darrick was a longtime faculty member for the Geography Department at Cal State Northridge, where he later became the associate dean of the College of Behavioral Sciences.

His colleagues remembered him on Wednesday, February 20th as a respected and well-liked professor with a wicked sense of humor. In memory of Darrick, one colleague said, "He had a quick mind and could process different thoughts at the same time, and it would come out as humorous." He has also been described as a good friend and a chronic punster. There was always an injection of humor and fun in dealing with Darrick. One could even say that people just liked being around him.

Danta earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees from the Geography Department at CSUN. He later earned a Ph.D. in geography from Ohio State before returning to CSUN to begin a long career teaching and researching. He also served as president of the Association of Pacific Coast Geographers, as well as editor for its journal. He also was a member of the California Geographical Society and the Association of American Geographers. Students and peers benefitted from Dr. Danta’s expansive knowledge of Eastern Europe, as well as his exceptional breadth of training in all aspects of geographic methods, tools and techniques.

He was an active member of the Sierra Club where he led many outings and taught outdoor skills and orienteering. He eventually became the Chair of the Sierra Club Sierra Peaks Section and president of the Home Owners Association where he and his wife Sara live.

Darrick Danta is survived by his wife, Sara, and his brother Randall.

Dr. Danta’s family has requested memorial donations be made to the Darrick Danta Fund for Field Research in Geography in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Cal State Northridge. Checks should be made payable to CSUN Foundation, with a notation referencing the fund. Contributions should be sent in care of Anne Robison, Director of Development, College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, California State University, Northridge, 18111 Nordhoff St., Northridge, CA 91330-8256, or contact Anne directly at [email protected] or (818) 677-7738.